Seat Temperature Sensor: Description and Operation

Two heated seat sensors are used per vehicle. One is located in each front seat cushion heating element. Refer to Heated Seat Element for more information. The heated seat temperature sensors are Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistors that are permanently attached to the individual cushion heating elements.

The heated seat sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted and if found to be faulty, the complete heated seat cushion element must be replaced.

When the temperature of the heated seat element rises, the resistance of the heated seat sensor decreases. The memory heated seat/mirror module supplies five volts to one side of each sensor, and monitors the voltage drop through the sensor on a return circuit. The module uses this temperature sensor input to monitor the temperature of the seat, and regulates the current flow to the seat heating elements accordingly.